Oral Cancer Screenings Burlington

Providing Oral Cancer Screening in Burlington as Part of Your Regular Check-up

A comprehensive oral cancer screening is vital to your routine dental check-ups. This quick and non-invasive procedure allows our team to detect early signs of oral cancer and other abnormalities, often before noticeable symptoms appear. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment success and overall outcomes.

Why an Annual Oral Cancer Exam is Important

Our dental care team will provide an oral cancer exam at least once a year. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed each year with this serious condition. Early detection of oral cancer can better your chances of successful treatment. These screenings are crucial for various reasons:

Early symptoms of oral cancer are not always noticeable; therefore, regular screenings ensure it’s detected before it spreads.
Screenings not only detect cancer but also raise awareness about the importance of avoiding risk factors like tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

The Oral Cancer Screening Process

Examination of the Mouth and Throat

Your dental hygienist will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat for any unusual changes, such as red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, or lumps. They may also check your tonsils and the soft palate for abnormalities.

Feel for Abnormalities

Using gloved hands, your dental hygienist will gently feel your jaw, tongue, floor of your mouth, glands and neck for unusual bumps, swelling, or unusual tissue texture.

Use of Tools if Necessary

We may use special tools, such as a light or dye, to enhance the detection of abnormalities. For example, fluorescent blue light can highlight irregular tissues, and special rinses may help detect areas of concern that are invisible to the naked eye.

Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for all adults, but certain groups are at a higher risk and may benefit from more frequent checks. Risk factors for oral cancer include:

Smoking
Heavy alcohol consumption
Age and gender
Frequent exposure to the sun
History of oral cancer in the family

Even if you don’t fall into these high-risk categories, regular screenings are important since oral cancer can develop without any known risk factors.

The Benefits of Receiving an Oral Cancer Screening at Our Dental Office

Early Detection Saves Lives

Symptoms of oral cancer aren’t typically present in the earliest stages. Regular screenings allow for early detection when treatment is most effective.

Minimally Invasive

The screening process is quick, non-invasive, and not painful, making it a stress-free part of your dental visit.

Improved Outcomes

Catching cancer early increases the chances of successful treatment and reduces the need for more aggressive interventions later.

Peace of Mind

For many patients, especially if oral cancer runs in their family, an oral cancer screening can reassure them that their oral health is in good shape.

We Perform an Oral Cancer Screening With the Help of VELscope®

A VELscope is an oral screening device that helps us detect abnormalities in the mouth’s soft tissues, including early signs of oral cancer, precancerous lesions, any suspicious lesions in the mouth, and other tissue irregularities. It uses a fluorescent blue light to illuminate the oral cavity as a whole, causing healthy tissue to glow while abnormal tissue appears dark or lacks fluorescence. This non-invasive tool enhances the ability to identify the possibility of oral cancer, making it an essential aid for early detection, preventive care, or even ruling out the possibility of oral cancer.

Contact our Burlington Dentist for an Oral Cancer Exam Today

If you have noticed anything suspicious in or around your mouth, neck, or jaw, book an appointment today. Visit our office to rule out oral cancer – this quick screening is painless and can potentially save lives. If abnormalities are present, we can refer you to a specialist for further assessment. This is why regular dental check-ups are vital – we can stay on top of your oral health and overall health and well-being. We recommend booking regular check-ups at least every 6 months.